shoulder pain

Frozen shoulder, is referred to as adhesive capsulitis, a disorder in which the shoulder capsule and the connective tissue surrounding the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder, becomes stiff, inflamed and significantly reduces motion and may cause serious chronic pain.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine and often treat damaged joints. The benefit of an arthroscopy over conventional open surgery is that the joint does not have to be completely opened up. This article from KRAMES staywell (http://ssov3.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Conditions/Orthopedics/Conditions/Hip/85,P00903) tells us the joints most frequently examined by arthroscopy, what arthroscopic surgery entails and conditions commonly associated with arthroscopy.

Joints frequently examined –

Shoulder

Wrist

Ankle

Hip

Elbow

Knee

Spine

What does arthroscopic surgery commonly entail –

General, local, or spinal anesthetic is dispensed

Small incision is made in the patient’s skin

Arthroscope (Small tube that consists of lenses, video, and light) is inserted through the incision

Other incisions may be made to introduce other small grasping, probing, or cutting tools

Corrective surgery, if required, may be executed during the initial diagnostic procedure

Bandages or dressings may be applied to the postoperative area

Conditions most commonly found with arthroscopy

Inflammation in the lining of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist or ankle

Pieces of loose bone or cartilage (commonly found in the knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow, or wrist)

The benefit of an arthroscopy over conventional open surgery is that the joint does not have to be completely opened up. Only two small incisions are made – one for the arthroscope and one for the surgical instruments to be used in the knee cavity. Having arthroscopic surgery significantly reduces recovery time and less scarring occurs than with a typical open surgery. In most cases arthroscopic procedures can be done on an outpatient basis.

At Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center, we recognize that painful joints can interfere with your sleep, limit daily mobility, or keep you from participating in activities you love. If managing your joint pain is no longer working, our team of joint replacement specialists can help by replacing all or part of your problem joint. Please contact a joint specialist today @ 540.347.9220 (Warrenton location) or 703.743.2814 (Gainesville location). Be sure to visit www.broava.com for more information on the comprehensive services offered by Blue Ridge Orthopaedic & Spine Center. Our Goal – Get YOU back to GOOD health!

Direct blows to the shoulder are the most likely cause of a clavicle break. Falling onto the shoulder, car collision, or a fall to an outstretched arm are other likely culprits of a clavicle break.

Symptoms

Unable to lift arm due to pain

Swelling, bruising, and/or soreness over the collarbone

Grinding feeling when the arm is raised

Drooping shoulder (down and forward)

Arm appears abnormal in appearance or has a “bump” over the break

If you suspect a broken collarbone or if you are unsure of the cause of your shoulder pain, it’s important to seek medical attention. The shoulder specialists at Blue Ridge Orthopedic & Spine Center have the specialized training, expertise, and experience you need to treat any shoulder problem. Both surgically and non-surgically. To schedule an appointment with our shoulder specialists at Blue Ridge Orthopaedic & Spine Center please call (540) 347-9220 (Warrenton location) or (703) 743-2814 (Gainesville location). To learn more about the comprehensive services offered by Blue Ridge Orthopaedic & Spine Center visit us @ www.broava.com.

When arthritis occurs in the shoulder, the cartilage of the ball and socket (glenohumerl joint) is almost to the point of gone and the bone rubs on bone. This type of arthritis can occur from injury, degenerative joint disease, and of course aging.

Signs and Symptoms –

Shoulder pain that persists beyond a few days

Loss of motion

Inability to carry objects or use the arm

Shoulder pain at night

There are several treatment options available for arthritis of the shoulder such as – if arthritis is detected early on it can be managed with mild analgesics (pain medicines) and gentle exercises. Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center’s Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation department offers aquatic therapy which is known as a “gentle” exercise and is provided by a trained and licensed physical therapist. Injections of anti-inflammatory steroids, the application of ice and hot moist packs are also very effective in relieving pain.

When exercise and medications no longer do the trick for shoulder pain, shoulder replacement surgery may be considered. If you are suffering with shoulder pain and unsure of the cause, you should seek medical attention from a specialist. Shoulder pain is an extremely common complaint, and there are many causes of this problem. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so the appropriate treatment plan can be put into place. To speak to one of our shoulder specialists please call us @ 540.347.9220 or visit www.broava.com for more information on shoulder pain.